Today I am talking about the difference between a “day of coordinator”, and a team that comes in to do the set-up and clean up. I think there’s been a misunderstanding about what hiring a “day of coordinator” means. If you pick a venue that doesn’t have staff to do the set up and clean up, hiring a coordinator doesn’t mean they will be there to put up tables and chairs, put on table linens, put food out, assemble your DIY centerpieces, and other decor, move chairs from ceremony location, to reception space, or to clean it all up, and pack everything up at the end of the night. Hiring a coordinator means they will confirm with vendors, develop your timeline, do basic set up (i.e escort cards and table numbers) know all there is to know about your wedding, run your wedding ceremony, be the “go-to” person for the whole day, and so much more. I know from experience that when I’m trying to do 10 things at once, things get missed and the day can’t be as perfect as it should be. Most planners offer this service, but at an additional cost because it means bringing in more staff.

Know that picking that amazing Pinterest-worthy barn venue that doesn’t have a staff to do set up, means you should budget for hiring a coordination team to run your day perfectly, set up all the beautiful decor you took months putting together, and put everything away at the end of the night so you, and your family don’t have to work, and get to truly enjoy your big day. Yes your family and friends could do it, but they shouldn’t have to. Hiring a coordinator-especially in that situation- is invaluable.